![When this customer reached out, his 2023 Porsche Cayman GT4 was already on its way from the United States. The shipping company had handled the initial customs clearance, but the real challenge was still ahead: getting the car fully approved and registered in Portugal. That’s where we stepped in. The Individual Type Approval Journey Because […]](https://carimportportugal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/100/8.jpg)
When this customer reached out, his 2023 Porsche Cayman GT4 was already on its way from the United States. The shipping company had handled the initial customs clearance, but the real challenge was still ahead: getting the car fully approved and registered in Portugal. That’s where we stepped in.
The Individual Type Approval Journey
Because this model didn’t come with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), we had to go through an Individual Type Approval with IMT. That meant gathering technical documentation directly from Porsche.
This turned out to be a longer road than usual. Porsche needed to double-check which exact version of the GT4 it was, which slowed things down. We had to follow up with them several times before the paperwork finally arrived, together with an apology for the delay.
Only then could IMT start processing, which also took several weeks. The customer grew understandably impatient as the weeks stretched on, but we stayed in close contact to reassure him that things were moving forward. One important lesson here: if we had been involved before the car left the US, this waiting period could have been avoided. Much of this paperwork can be completed while the vehicle is still at sea.
Inspection and Customs
Once the paperwork was ready, we booked the IMT inspection, which went smoothly. To make sure the customer could enjoy the car while waiting for final approval, we also arranged temporary insurance immediately after inspection.
Customs then raised a few questions about the customer’s personal situation. This led to a short round of back-and-forth between us, the client, and the customs office. Thanks to clear communication, everything was clarified quickly. Within just two weeks, customs gave the green light, a fast outcome compared to many cases.
Key Takeaways
- Plan ahead: Contact us before your car is shipped. We can often handle the paperwork in parallel with transport, saving weeks of waiting.
- Drive sooner: If you don’t have valid insurance, we can arrange temporary coverage after the inspection so you’re not stuck waiting.
- Smooth customs clearance: When documents are delivered exactly as instructed, customs rarely raises additional questions.
